Pub. 6 2017-2018 Issue 3

12 San Diego Dealer Continued from page 11 services to the homeless. It’s one of the most significant things I have ever been involved in. Ann and I have been so happy to have been the presenting sponsors of Father Joe’s Children’s Gala. Helping children that are homeless is one of my strongest passions. I am also secretary of the Enhance La Jolla Maintenance Assessment District, a new orga- nization that will oversee improvements and beautification projects in the Village of La Jolla, California. What are your thoughts on being selected as a TIME Dealer Nominee? It’s an honor to be sure, but, I’m not sure it’s deserved. I jokingly askedDeanMansfieldwhen he called me, if he had gone to the end of the alphabet, and determining that there wasn’t anyone with a W, Y or Z, settled onW, and there I was. Joking aside, I am honored. Especially honored because it comes from within my industry, and there are so many quality dealers within our organization. What do you think makes mem- bership in the NCDA beneficial? There are so many benefits to membership. They range from financial to legislative. The educational offerings are superb, and the net- working opportunities are tremendous. NCDA just makes it easier to do what we do – sell cars. And then there’s the auto show, which is a really, really big deal. It’s so well done. Dean and his team do an amazing job of rep- resenting us as dealers. If you could look back on your career, and identify three things that helped you be successful, what would they be? I love what I do, I believe inmyself andmy team. Never look back always look straight ahead (that’s worked for me). Certainly a strong faith helps a great deal too. Describe your all-time favorite vehicle (it can be one you’ve owned, or something on your wish list). And what are you driving today? It’s got to be the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. It’s absolutely amazing, and I’ddrive one in aminute if I could. I can’t keep them in the dealership, most of them are pre-sold before they arrive. I do have a 1964 Continental that I like – but, the truth is, I’d rather sell a car than collect a car. That’s good, since I’m in the business of selling cars! I drive a MKX Black Label, and I’ve got a road trip to Tucson planned, so I am looking forward to that. Tell us about your family When it comes to family, I ama lucky guy. I have three wonderful boys, whom I work with and get to see every day. My daughter, Kate, works close by, for Houzz. We spend a lot of time together, just hanging out. I like the adults my kids have become. My wife, Ann, is tremendous. She takes great care of me. I love spending time with her. Ann has a rule, mostly I think because four of us work together, that when we are together as a family, there is no business discussions over dinner. We also have a granddaughter, Megan, who is fifteen and is the joy of our lives. What’s your favorite way to spend your free time? Do you have any unusual hobbies? I’m a simple guy, very low maintenance. I love hanging out with my wife, Ann, spending time with friends, walking and going to movies. I love road trips, and any excuse for one, works for me.